Former Pinellas Commissioner Brickfield will not run for Congress

Former Pinellas commissioner Neil Brickfield said Friday he will not seek the Republican nomination to the congressional seat left vacant by the death of longtime U.S. Rep. C.W. Bill Young.

Brickfield said in a statement: "My passion for public service is only surpassed by my passion for my family," and the timing was not right for his family. He added, "I will be working hard for the Republican Party nominee!"

Former Young aide David Jolly is seeking the seat on the Republican side, and his campaign announced these endorsements Friday: U.S. Rep. Rich Nugent, R-Spring Hill, Seminole Mayor Leslie Waters, St. Petersburg businessman Bill Hough and Bob Barker, the former host of The Price is Right.

Democrat Alex Sink and Libertarian Lucas Overby also are running for the Pinellas-based seat.

Because of Young's death a special election has been scheduled with a primary on Jan. 14 and a general election March 11.

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